The Waratahs have defeated the Hurricanes 39-30 in an eight try thriller at Allianz Stadium.
The Match
The Waratahs won the coin toss and decided to kick off and it came off for them as Israel Folau won the ball and Adam Ashley-Cooper made a break in just the second minute of the game to set up Rob Horne for a try in the corner. The Waratahs took the early lead, 7-0.
Just 10 minutes later the Hurricanes hit back through a pick and drive from Jeremy Toomaga-Allen to equal the scores at 7-7.
A penalty right in front in the 23rd minute allowed the Hurricanes to take the lead, 10-7. The Hurricanes were looking dangerous on attack which was demonstrated by two quick tries. Andre Taylor set up the first after he made a huge break off the kickoff. The Waratahs desperately defended to stop the Hurricanes just out from the try line. The Waratahs then turned the ball over and a Wycliff Palu knocked the ball on which gifted Beauden Barrett with a five pointer.
Almost immediately after the kickoff again the Hurricanes made a break in centre field. Again, they were stopped just short of the try line until Julian Savea got the ball to score the Hurricanes 3rd try. The Hurricanes led 24-7 after 28 minutes of play.
It was then the Waratahs turn to attack. Another Adam Ashley-Cooper break in the 30th minute gave Dave Dennis the opportunity to crash over to keep the Waratahs in the match. Bernard Foley then scored to narrow the gap to 24-21. After several try scoring opportunities including a bombed try from Rob Horne, the Waratahs were awarded a penalty right in front to bring the scores level at 24-24 on half time.
The second half started with both sides asking questions of the defence. The deadlock was then broken in the 54th minute after Matt Carraro received an inside ball from Bernard Foley.
The Hurricanes hit back short afterwards through a penalty from Beauden Barrett. Another penalty from Barrett put the visitors within a point with 17 minutes left to play. The Waratahs then crossed again through veteran Stephen Holies. Foley missed the conversion to bring the score to 36-30.
With just 5 minutes to play the Waratahs were awarded a penalty almost in front, to put game beyond a converted try. Final score – 39-30.
The Presser
After the game Michael Cheika reported on the injuries to Jacques Potgieter and Tatafu Polota-Nau.
Potgieter had taken a hard knock to his leg and there was some concern that there was a fracture, but an early X-ray cleared him of that. Polota-Nau had sustained an injury to his abdomen during training on Thursday and he aggravated it during the match.
Cheika paid tribute to the Hurricanes and their style of rugby and hoped that the Waratahs had a chance to meet them later in the season:
I personally really appreciate the way they play the game. I think that’s the way the game should be played and we’re trying to be a part of that […] movement.
When asked, Cheika said the Waratahs wouldn’t change their style it they made the finals:
No; we’ll never change: regardless of whether we make the finals or not; this is the way we play the game.
If the trend is against attacking rugby, we’ve made a conscious decision, as I think the Hurricanes have as well, to play against the trend and just try and get so good at it that we can be competitive against the penalties and the kicking style of game that tries to trap you
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The Game Changer
Matt Carraro’s try in the second half gave the Waratahs the momentum to take the game.
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[one_third last=”no”]
The G&GR MOTM
Kane Douglas ran hard and put on some huge hits. An honourable mention also goes to Michael Hooper who always manages to impress.
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[one_third last=”yes”]
Wallaby watch
Adam Ashley-Cooper is showing no signs of slowing down at the age of 30 and if he continues to perform, he is sure to have a hold on a position in the Wallabies back line. [/one_third]
The Details
Score & Scorers
[one_half last=”no”]Waratahs:
Tries: Rob Horne, Dave Dennis, Bernard Foley, Matt Carraro, Stephen Hoiles
Conversions: Bernard Foley (4)
Penalties: Bernard Foley (2)
[one_half last=”yes”]Hurricanes:
Tries: Jeremy Toomaga-Allen, Beauden Barrett, Julian Savea
Conversions: Beauden Barrett (3)
Penalties: Beauden Barrett (3) [/one_half]
Cards & citings
None
